2nd Street, Japan’s largest secondhand retailer, is launching its first store in Singapore on April 29 at 313@somerset, offering a curated collection of over 23,000 authentic pre-loved fashion pieces to meet growing local demand for sustainable shopping.
Japanese secondhand fashion retailer 2nd Street is set to open its first store in Singapore on April 29 at the shopping mall 313@somerset, introducing the city-state to an extensive collection of over 23,000 pre-loved apparel and accessories imported directly from Japan. This debut marks a significant expansion for the brand, which is renowned for its vast inventory that includes vintage luxury items such as Louis Vuitton and Comme des Garcons pieces, alongside more affordable finds starting at $5.
In an interview with Female Magazine Singapore, Tsutomu Nakamura, managing director of 2nd Street Singapore, shared insights into the company’s strategic decision to enter the Singapore market and what makes their model distinct within the resale market. “We’ve always believed resale fashion isn’t just a trend, but a long-term lifestyle shift. Singapore stood out for its vibrant global culture, growing interest in sustainability, and openness to new retail experiences,” Nakamura explained. He highlighted that the move was prompted by a convergence of factors, including market maturity, a strong local demand for curated secondhand fashion, and Singapore’s importance as a gateway in Asia.
Positioning itself as the world’s largest second-hand retail chain, 2nd Street differentiates itself through a balanced approach that combines trend-driven pricing with guaranteed authenticity. Standardized buying and selling procedures across their stores and the availability of both in-person and online services distinguish the chain from typical peer-to-peer resale platforms. Nakamura pointed out that the brand’s roots date back to its origins as a video rental business in 1986 before transitioning into the second-hand market in 1996 and launching the current 2nd Street concept in 2008. Now operating under GEO Holdings with over $4 billion in sales and a listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the company has experienced substantial growth, doubling in size since its conceptual relaunch.
2nd Street curates its inventory through a system that combines a supply and demand model tailored to local preferences, although the precise items arriving at each location remain a surprise. “Even for our team, there’s an element of surprise in what arrives! So just like our customers, we experience that same thrill of discovery. That’s the true spirit of thrifting; it’s not just shopping, it’s finding something you didn’t expect,” Nakamura said. Initially, all merchandise in the Singapore store will be imported from Japan, but the company plans to evolve toward local sourcing in the long term, aiming to match product offerings more closely to local shopper preferences.
Given the uniqueness of every item, inventory turnover is expected to be rapid, with new stock arriving almost daily, ensuring a constantly refreshed and dynamic shopping experience. Customers will also have the opportunity to participate in the circular fashion system by selling their own pre-loved clothes in-store without appointments. Selected items will be resold, recycled, or upcycled, reinforcing sustainability goals.
Looking ahead, Nakamura revealed that Singapore’s high population density suggests the city has the potential to support up to 30 2nd Street outlets. The brand also has plans for regional expansion, with stores slated to open in Hong Kong later this year. While the company currently has no immediate plans for launching a Singapore-specific online platform, it is actively monitoring market conditions to consider such options in the future.
2nd Street’s introduction in Singapore brings one of Japan’s most successful secondhand retail chains of apparel and accessories to a multicultural, sustainability-conscious city, setting new standards for secondhand shopping with a mix of luxury, trend-savvy finds, and an emphasis on authentic, curated resale.
Source: Noah Wire Services
